Paul Douglas Hooper

Doug (Hoop) was a nonconformist. He grew up a teenager in the sixties; argued with his parents and drove the teachers at Saks High School nuts; loved the Beatles, classic rock, and fast cars; and embraced YOLO in a way his only daughter would later secretly envy. When too many young men dodged the draft for an unpopular war (our Vietnam veterans deserve so much respect), he volunteered and proudly trained on a Patton as a member of the U.S. Armored Cavalry. After he was discharged by Uncle Sam, he settled with his small family in Norwood projects for several years while he worked as a plumber at AOD to make his life better—which he did. Doug loved excesses, though, and often that led him into conflict that he regretted—but not enough to stop hell-raising completely.

Even through his mistakes, Doug settled (somewhat) quietly on thirty-six acres of land he bought with his own damn money in Ohatchee, built a house he paid for that he was proud of, took college classes because he loved to learn, and proceeded to live the next forty plus years making friends and family want to hug and strangle him at the same time. His daddy and mama, Paul and Evelyn Hooper, tried tough love, but like the rebel he always was, Doug did what he wanted anyway. He lived nine lives when some of us barely live one.

No matter what trouble he got into—often a lot—he LOVED completely in his own self-centered, tender hearted, give-the-shirt-he-couldn’t-always-afford-off-his-back way. That love includes those who he left behind: his wife Kathy, the woman he found his way back to after decades apart; his daughter Lindsay Ford, son-in-law Paul, and Sniffle Snik granddaughter Emma; his big brothers Dave and Harold Daugherty, their wives Phylis and Nancy; his uncle John Cranmer; and his dogs Janey, Snowball, and Drew. He has a large family of Hoopers, Whitmores, Borders, Sweatts, Cranmers, and Daughertys who have been waiting to welcome him Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to U.S. veterans in need, even if it’s just your time (the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Fisher House Foundation, or Freedom Service Dogs of America are suggestions). Fly the Stars and Stripes, stand and pledge allegiance to the flag, sing the National Anthem loudly—and even when you’re mad at politics, love your fellow Americans and protect their rights. Curse CNN and Fox equally. Watch the History Channel and Alabama football. Adopt a needy animal. Pester your family.

Finally, live life and love with no regrets.

Special thanks to all first responders and the medical personnel at St. Vincent’s St. Clair.

Fellowship and visitation will be held at Boiling Springs Baptist Church in Ohatchee on Sunday, October 17, at 1:30 pm followed by a memorial service at 2:30 pm. Casual dress and jeans with your favorite Alabama t-shirt are encouraged. The family will have a private burial at Maple Grove after.